In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Maryland's technology ecosystem was a collection of promising startups, research institutions and corporate innovators, but it lacked a central hub to bring them together. The state's entrepreneurial landscape was fragmented, with pockets of innovation scattered across different regions, often disconnected from one another.
Recognizing this disconnect, John Wasilisin, TEDCO’s vice president at the time, traveled to multiple cities across the nation, observing the development of technology and entrepreneurship in other states. While visiting Austin, Texas, inspiration struck.
A spark of inspiration
Wasilisin recalled the experience, explaining that Maryland seemed to be “missing something.” The environment in Austin reflected a level of collaboration that Maryland had yet to achieve. In Austin, he found a community of people that recognized the benefits of healthy competition – that, with “more people rowing in the same direction, the rising tide helps everyone.”
This observation led Wasilisin to consider everything Maryland had to offer – from federal laboratories to research universities to venture capital investors – and how to best bring about the collaborative environment that would spur innovation and growth. With this realization, Wasilisin began brainstorming for a solution; the one he landed on required TEDCO to be the host.
Upon his return, he brought the idea to his staff, and the feedback was nothing short of positive. Wasilisin’s vision was simple: ““I want a gathering of everyone who's got some kind of skin in the Maryland innovation ecosystem.” “The team all had a role and they all had complemented each other. I was very fortunate, because there was no way I could do everything myself. I was excited to lead an amazing staff of people who were dedicated to this, and we were all moving in the same direction.”
The first connection
By 2011, a unified platform for Maryland's entrepreneurial community was created through a modest gathering around the theme of “Harnessing the Power of Innovation in Maryland.” This inaugural event marked a significant step forward, bridging the gaps between different sectors and regions; later, it was renamed to the “Entrepreneur Expo” (“Expo”).
“I knew we were onto something because people were saying ‘when's the next one?’” recalled Wasilisin. “All these different people were really energized about it and they were comfortable with TEDCO being the facilitator of it because we weren't taking all the credit and we weren’t aligned with
any one particular entity. I think it allowed us to be seen as impartial and that was very important.”
Progress
Each consecutive year, the Expo has grown exponentially, attracting hundreds of attendees from across the state and beyond. Through teamwork, the event has become a cornerstone of Maryland's innovation ecosystem, fostering connections, inspiring entrepreneurs and driving economic growth.
With each successful iteration, the expectations for the event kept climbing. To meet this growing demand, Wasilisin explained how TEDCO would gather information from attendees post event, “we would always ask on our survey ‘How did you enjoy compared to last year? Would you plan to come back next year? What content would you like to see next year?”
Armed with this feedback and knowledge, the event met the growing expectations. The participation of notable individuals, from Tenable Network founder Ron Gula to guitar maker Paul Reed Smith and Rent the Runway cofounder Jennifer Fleiss, marked the event’s continued climb.
“Every year, the program got bigger; more and more speakers were coming to us instead of us having to chase them,” Wasilisin proudly noted.
“To hear these successful individuals tell their story in front of hundreds or so people was always fascinating,” Wasilisin explained further. “The people came to get energized, and they walked out saying, ‘You know what? Maybe I can do this.’ They heard how hard it was for these successful entrepreneurs and would think ‘I'm going through that same thing, but I shouldn't give up.’”
Resources for all of Maryland
With each passing year, the Expo has played a pivotal role in strengthening Maryland's technology and life science ecosystem. To further the impact, TEDCO prioritizes access to the event; the organization ensures people from all regions can attend by funding bus travel to bring attendees from Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore.
“Technology knows no boundaries,” said Wasilisin, “I've seen some of the coolest technology from people on the Eastern Shore, in western Maryland and in southern Maryland. These entrepreneurs complemented the research universities and the federal labs in the metro regions of Maryland.”
Having statewide representation contributes to another of Expo's most notable achievements: its ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry. By bringing together researchers, students, and faculty with entrepreneurs and investors, the event has fostered relationships that have led to the commercialization of new technologies.
Wasilisin recalls witnessing this collaboration firsthand, describing the phenomenon as an accomplishment he “never thought [he’d] see” with how the various entities typically worked. Seeing such cooperation made up his mind – the Expo was something to be cherished and brought back time and time again.
Always looking forward, the occasion plays a crucial role in inspiring the next generation. By showcasing the success stories of Maryland-based companies, young innovators are encouraged to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Wasilisin recalls how successful businesspeople spoke at Expo sessions, then gave their time to younger entrepreneurs who were early in their journeys: “They remembered when they were in their other shoes…they really took the time to talk to them and actually sat down and had a coffee. I knew how important it was to the entrepreneur.”
Beyond the communities developed by Expo, the event also received recognition from Maryland’s economic development community: the event received the Economic Development Marketing Award from The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) in 2020.
10 years of connection
Wasilisin participated in eight of the first nine Expo events from the inaugural 2011 event. “I was very excited to be a part of that.” He reflected, “part of the real juice is interacting with people, making those kinds of connections that you probably wouldn't be able to make if you sent an email or text. The networking is as important as the program content.” After an in-person hiatus following the COVID-19 shutdown, the Expo is returning this December to mark their tenth gathering. Now retired, Wasilisin remains excited as ever, “I'm actually going back because I just want to take it in again.”
TEDCO’s 2024 Entrepreneur Expo is poised to continue the legacy of inspiring innovation and driving economic growth. By building on its successes and continuing to foster connections for entrepreneurs, the event remains a vital force in Maryland's future.